Here are four ways to kick off the Jewish New Year with sweetness (beyond raisin challah, honey and plum cake, of course!).

Every year we ring in Rosh Hashanah with sweet things for a good new year. Similarly, many of us make New Year’s resolutions on Dec. 31 to start the year off right. Why not look at Rosh Hashanah as another opportunity for a sweet restart? Here are four ways to kick off the Jewish New Year with sweetness (beyond raisin challah, honey and plum cake, of course!):

Check out the event Something Sweet on Aug. 20, which features an evening of crafting, wine, cheese and guided tours of Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh. New Center NOW DIY Arts Circle and Ganei Beantown will prepare for the New Year with local lip-balm and salve-maker Amanda Kulick, who will teach us to make our own body sugar scrubs that are lusciously scented—energizing citrus and calming mint, anyone?—and ideal for preparing our bodies and minds for a fresh new year. In addition to creating these gift jars, Amanda will also have a specially crafted handmade lip balm for everyone. While she can’t share the secrets to her exact recipes, she will tell us all about the process. So get crafty, save a few bucks and do something good for your body! Curious? Here are several creative and unique lip-balm styles and recipes you can try at home.

Switch up your workout routine. Consider the new Shabbat Shira Yoga workshops that will be running monthly through the fall at Down Under Yoga in Brookline. They’re a great way to get in shape physically and mentally. (Save these dates: Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20.)

Commit to exploring new things, like the local arts scene. You’ll find new and interesting ways to relax and de-stress on weekends this fall by tuning into the arts. The ICA, for example, will have an exhibit called “Fiber: Sculpture 1960-present” through the fall, featuring works by 34 artists, including many Jewish artists, like my great-cousin, German-Jewish sculptor Eva Hesse.